Boeing and ANA Unveil First 787 Dreamliner for Delivery

EVERETT, Wash. — Boeing today, in conjunction with All Nippon Airways (ANA), rolled out the first 787-8 commercial airliner to be used in revenue passenger service.

• MORE PHOTOS: First Look at ANA’s First Boeing 787, Inside and Out

First ANA Boeing 787 Dreamliner. (Photo by Nate Strong/NYCAviation)

The airplane was presented in a special livery to celebrate the occasion. The Japanese airline and the Chicago-based manufacturer both sent executives to the event, who made a handful of remarks before the airplane was rolled out of a dark hangar and into the Seattle sunlight.

“It’s a gorgeous day in Seattle and a great day to see a beautiful airplane. The first delivery airplane to ANA; the first production 787,” said Boeing VP and General Manager of the 787 program, Scott Fancher at a press conference preceding the rollout. Later Mr. Fancher continued with some oft-repeated benefits of flying the aircraft. “I know many of you know the story; twenty percent more fuel efficient. Thirty percent lower [cost] to maintain,” Fancher said. ANA Senior Vice President Mitsuo Morimoto also spoke about his excitement for the 787.

Tours of the aircraft showed off the first fully outfitted airplane. Everything seemed to be put together with a solid feel. ANA has announced that this aircraft will be, at least initially, working the short haul international market around the airline’s home region of Japan. Consequently the cabin is outfitted in a short haul international set-up featuring two classes of service; business and economy.

Initial impressions of the spotless aircraft were unsurprisingly positive. Media were even required to put rubber shoe covers to preserve the quality of the interior. Boeing’s new “Sky Interior” and the plane’s large windows made the new aircraft feel spacious. Entering the ANA plane revealed a stand-up bar. Every seat on the plane had in-flight entertainment installed, even in a domestic configuration. Economy seats were fitted with a simulated recline, meaning the bottom of the seat moved forward instead of pitching back. Media gawked at the lavatories that had windows in them, complete with the dimming system found on all windows aboard the aircraft.

This will be the first of 827 Boeing 787 aircraft on order to be delivered. Delivery dates have been delayed for five years as the novel design underwent repeated revisions. The aircraft is expected to pass FAA certification in the very near future and delivery of the new airplane we see today is anticipated for late September.